Entegrus personnel recently celebrated 10 years of partnership with Habitat for Humanity Chatham-Kent, returning as the organization’s Signature Sponsor for 2025 with a $20,000 contribution.
Since the partnership began, Entegrus has contributed more than $150,000 to the organization, helping their efforts in creating affordable local homeownership opportunities.
“Entegrus has been a steadfast partner since our 2015 Wallaceburg build, and their continued investment has been vital,” said Anne Taylor, director of partnerships and stakeholder relations for Habitat for Humanity Chatham-Kent, in a media release. “Their support has helped eight local families achieve the dream of homeownership, and we’re excited to continue this partnership.”
“Affordable housing is key to thriving communities,” said Jim Hogan, president and CEO of Entegrus. “We’re proud to support Habitat for Humanity Chatham-Kent in their mission to create safe, stable homes for local families.”
Beyond financial contributions, Entegrus employees actively support Habitat’s mission, volunteering at build sites, assisting at events, and serving on the organization’s board of directors.
Time stands still in ’Burg
February marks 70 years for a timeless business in Wallaceburg.
On Feb. 3, 1955 a short note in The Wallaceburg News announced that “Mr. Harry Stekelbos has opened a watch repair shop and jewellery store at 851 Dufferin Ave.”
The watch repair trade was a second career for Stekelbos, who needed a change due to health reasons. Some early pictures show a small shop set up inside the front porch of his home.
The little shop prospered, and by the late 1960s, the store expanded to accommodate the growing business.
Looking to retire, Stekelbos was able to connect with Dick Bulsink, a student of a watch repair trade school in the Netherlands. Once certified, Bulsink immigrated to Canada in 1982 and has continued this small watch and jewellery store since.
“Through the years, the watch and clock repair trade has changed a lot because of the advancements of the battery-operated quartz technology” Bulsink said. “But there is still a high level of appreciation for the mechanical timepieces of grandfather, wall and mantel clocks and also for the intricacies of a mechanical watch.”
The trade of watch and clock repair has become a rarity over the last few decades. As a result Stekelbos Watch and Clock Repair has become a destination for many watch and clock lovers who want their timepieces serviced by a certified technician.
“The work never stops to fascinate me, it gives me a high level of satisfaction to get a non-functioning watch or clock running again,” Bulsink said.
Mosaic display for Brio Academy
Chatham’s Brio Academy will serve as a host location for Mural Mosaic’s Global Roots Project, bringing the Canada Connects Home & Family National Mural Mosaic to the Chatham-Kent community.
The mosaic, which is a collaborative artwork made up of hundreds of individually painted tiles from artists of all ages and skill levels across Canada and beyond, will be permanently installed at Brio Academy. It will be unveiled Feb. 25 at 11 a.m. at 330 Richmond St.
Each tile in the mosaic reflects a unique perspective on the themes of home, family, and connection, coming together to form a breathtaking piece of public art.
As part of this initiative, Brio Academy will serve as a lasting home for this national collaboration, reinforcing its mission to foster creativity, self-expression, and community engagement through the arts.
“Brio Academy is honoured to be part of this incredible international arts initiative,” said Rachel Schwarz, founder and artistic director of Brio Academy, in a media release. “At Brio, we believe in the power of art to connect, uplift, and inspire. This mural mosaic is a perfect reflection of what we strive to teach our students every day – that art is a bridge between people, a way to tell stories, and a way to strengthen our community.”
Agri-lending group teams up with BMO
Farm Lending Canada (FLC) has joined forces with BMO in a new commercial arrangement.
BMO will support Farm Lending’s AgriRoots Diversified Lending Fund. The fund manages a diversified portfolio of mortgages secured by real estate, focused on agricultural assets.
“We’re thrilled that BMO has joined our network of supporters who have placed their trust in our fund and our goal to support Canadian agriculture by providing options for securing alternative capital for farms and agri-businesses,” said Robb Nelson, CEO at Farm Lending Canada, in a media release. “Having versatile and sustainable financing choices is critical for a healthy future for Canadian farmers.”
FLC manages AgriRoots, an exempt market investment available to accredited investors and eligible investors via AgriRoots Diversified Lending Trust.
Investors may invest in both registered and non-registered funds.
“There are tremendous opportunities for investors in the Canadian agricultural space,” said Nelson. “At the same time, you are helping to serve growth and expansion in one of Canada’s most important sectors.”
Farm Lending Canada aims to facilitate seamless transitions for farmers to conventional lending facilities, promoting sustainability and long-term growth in the agricultural sector.
The commercial arrangement with BMO enables the fund to substantially increase its reach in the Canadian Alternative agricultural mortgage market in 2025.
Entegrus helps power up food banks
Entegrus recently donated nearly $10,000 to several food banks in southwestern Ontario.
The utility company recently completed its beta testing of its new SMS/text alert capabilities, and raised funds to support families facing food insecurity at the same time.
As a result, Entegrus donated $9,725 to Salvation Army chapters in Chatham, St. Thomas, and Strathroy, providing the equivalent to approximately 4,850 meals.
Jim Hogan, president & CEO of Entegrus, thanked customers for taking part.
“This initiative has shown the power of combining customer engagement with community support,” he said in a media release. “By signing up for SMS alerts, our customers not only enhanced their own experience but also made a significant impact in the fight against food insecurity. We are grateful for their support, which enabled us to make a difference where it’s needed most.”
Major Larry Bridger, director of The Salvation Army Chatham-Kent emphasized the importance of such contributions during challenging times.
“The generosity of Entegrus and its customers comes at a crucial time. The funds raised through this campaign will go directly toward providing meals to those who need them most in our communities,” he said. “On behalf of The Salvation Army and the families we serve, thank you for making a real difference.”
- Business Voice is a bi-monthly column in The Chatham Voice that highlights some of the achievements made and efforts underway in Chatham-Kent’s business community. Send your information to [email protected].
